Railway ballast cribber



May 15, 1951 H. w. PROTZELLER RAILWAY BALLASTCRIBBER 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 16, 1946 m a a wsww mwwfia awwd om u k mow r W W O 0% w w i e r M w x fipm z RP. k a j E. Q W w y 0 H. w. PROTZELLER RAILWAY BALLAST CRIBBER May 15, 1951 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 16 1946 8 Shee'ts-Sheet 3 Jizarneys H w PROTZELLER RAILWAY BALLAST CRfBBER WMWN May 15, 1951 Filed Sept. 16, 1946 May is, 1951 Filed Sept. 16. 1946 RAILWAY BALLAST CRIBBER H, w. PROTZELLER 2,552,649

a Sheets-Sheet 4 III I? Ike/ado? PAL y 1951 H. w. PROTZELLER 2,552,649

RAILWAY BALLAST camaas Filed Sept. 16, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 I 5 1 I A JL ll Jfarry WfrazzeZ/er 1 j @MM'QGMJZQ May 15, 1951 H. w. PRomzELLsR RAILWAY BALLAST CRIBBQR 8 Shee'ts-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 16, 1946' M y 5, 1 5 i H. w. PROTZELLER 2,552,649

RAILWAY BALLAST CRIBBER 7 Filed Sept. 16, 1946 a Sheets-Sheet 8 jreuerezar' jznry WBvZze/Zey Patented May 15, 19 51 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE RAILWAY BALLAST CRIBBER Application September 16, 1946, Serial No. 697,307

21 Claims.

My invention relates to an improvement in railway ballast cribbers. One purpose is to provide a cribber which will completely remove the ballast from between adjacent railway ties, to form an open space or excavation to which cleaned ballast can be returned.

Another purpose is to provide a cribber which will cut or excavate to a desired profile.

Another purpose is to provide a cribber which can be operated with maximum ease and by a minimum of operating personnel.

Another purpose is to provide a cribber which is powerful and efiicient and easily controlled.

Another purpose is to provide 'an improved cribber boom.

Another purpose is to provide improved actuating and control means for a cribber.

Other purposes will appear from time to time in the course of the specification and claims.

I illustrate the invention more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings where- 1n:

Figure l is a perspective view Figure 2 is an end elevation with parts broken away and in section;

Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, with parts omitted;

Figure 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Figure 3, illustrating the parts in a different position;

Figure 5 is an end elevation with parts broken away and parts in section;

Figure 6 is a section on an enlarged scale on the line %6 of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a partial side elevation on an enlarged scale of an outer part of the boom structure;

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8-43 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a plan view of the base frame or carriage;

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the base frame with parts broken away;

Figure 11 is a section on the line i l---l of Figure 10; and

Figure 12 is a diagram, illustrating the actual cribbing operation.

Like parts are indicated by like symbols throughout the specification and drawings.

The cribber herein described and shown includes three main elements; a main frame or main carriage, which moves along and is supported on the rails of a track, a subframe or subcarriage, which moves transversely on the main frame, and a chain guide or boom which is movably mounted on the subcarriage.

Considering the specific showing of the drawings, I generally indicates the track ties, upon which are mounted any suitable rails 2. 3 generally indicates the ballast between the rails.

I employ a base or main frame which may include any suitable transversely extending structural members 6, connected by suitable members 5. Flanged, rail engaging wheels 6 may be suitably journaled in bearings I, mounted on any suitable bearing supports 8. As is clear from Figures 9 and 10, two pairs of wheels 6 are employed, one pair riding on each of the rails 2. Mounted above the members A and 5 are tracks, which may conveniently be formed by a lower, inverted channel member 9, mounted on and between angle members H3, and by an upper and generally Z-shaped member II, having a top flange 12, which defines with the member 9, a track space in which flanged rollers 53 may be received. The lower or base carriage, which may generally be indicated as A, carries any suitable handles or handle bars generally indicated as M, and a lifting bail, generally indicated at it which is of sufiicient strength so that the entire unit may be raised, for example, by a crane. Projecting downwardly from the bottom of the base frame is a suitably supported and generally horizontal plate I 6 apertured as at 1?. It may be employed to receive a jack or pivot member to permit the base frame to be slightly raised and rotated into reverse position.

Transversely reciprocable on the main frame A is a subframe which may be generally indicated as B. The subframe includes transversely extending angle members 20 and any suitable cross or connecting members 2|. 22 indicate shaft ends or stub shafts about which the flanged rollers [3 are rotatable. This provides a convenient antifrictional supporting means for the subframe B, permitting it to be moved readily transversely across the main frame A, and thus across the track. It will be understood that any suitable reinforcing members may be employed. I illustrate, for example, some angular cross members 21a. Mounted on and movable with the subframe, I illustrate any suitable engine, motor or power plant, as at 25. The details of the motor do not of themselves form part of the present invention. I illustrate also a motor operated hydraulic pump assembly generally indicated at 26. Since the details of the hydraulic pump and its actuating connection with the motor do not of themselves form part of the present invention, they are not indicated in detail. It will be understood, however, that suitable fluid connections are provided between the pump 26 and the hinged or pivoted pump cylinders 2'3 and 28, the purpose of which will later appear. The cylinder 2? is pivoted to the subframe B as at Zia. The pump cylinder 28 is pivoted to the subframe B, as at 28a. To form a firm anchorage I provide generally upright plates 2:9, to which the cylinders are pivoted, and reinforcing cross members 3t and 3|, which are secured to and form part of the generalstructure of the subirame or subcarriage B. In the cylinder 27 is mounted a pistcn with its piston rod 34, the outer end of which is pivoted to members 35, which are anchored in" orsecured to cross members of the main frame'A. Thus when the piston 33 and the cylinder 2-? move in relation to each other, in;responserto'additionor withdrawal of fluid by the pump 25, the entire subframe or subcarriage structure B is traversed across the track. It will be understood that it is immaterial whether the cylinder or thepiston is secured; to the subirame. However; it is more convenient to have the cylinder pivoted to the subframe. The, cylinder 28', has its own piston 36, with its. piston rod 3'5, the. purpose of which will later appear. It will. be understood that I may employ either single cylinders 21 and 28:01 a. plurality of. corresponding cylinders, where a multiple drive. is desired:

Movably mounted. on the subframe B" is the boom structure generally indicatedas C: I find it advantageous to pivot the, boom structure to the subframaand illustrateit: as pivoted thereto con-- centrically' with, the rollers 01: wheels 6-3;. This pivot maybe indicated at. The beam structureincludes a sleeve or tube i-e-tovwhichare Welded or otherwise secured side plates M Y and intermediate plates 32, the latter being arranged in a rather closely spaced pair. I provide also a transversely extending supporting plate. it to which may be bolted extension side" plates 44. 6.5 is an additional cross member or plate flanged at its ends and extending between the members dd, 46- indicates any suitable additional stii'leners or cross members. 4'! indicates a pair of end plates or chain bearing supporting plates, which are bolted to the ends of the plates lid by any suitable bolts 48' extending through spacing sleeves 49-. 58 is a reinforcing channel located between the ends or inner edges of the plates 41-.

41 adjacent the top notches 52. The lower portionsoithe plates dl are further braced by a connecting system of transverse reinforcing plates 53 E l-and 55, as shown at the left end ofFigure 4. Secured to the lower edges of the plates 4;! is an outer boom portion which, for convenience, I will call the nose of the boom, and. indicateby D. As will be shown in- Figure 8, I employ two z-bars. 60 which may be, welded tov thelower edges. of the. plates ll. Received between the lower flanges. of the Z-bars are reinforcing bars or spacing .bars BI. 62 indicates the main boom bar which. extends. from, end to end of the nose Dofthe boom. 63, indicate. bolts, Which pass through the. members er and, s2 andany suitable spacers. 56'. It ,is understood. that. the member BZconstitutes the main or central support of the nose,D of the boom. It has at either sidethereoi achain guiding plate or member 65, each said member havinganoppositely extending upper flange 66. BI indicate a pair of outer boom plates or track members having upper and lower edges adapted to receive the rollers of the below described chain. 68 indicate intermediate guides or spacers; Any suitable transversely extending is a cross brace for the upper corners of the plates bolts 59 may be employed to tie the above described structure together, said bolts being spaced along the entire length of the nose D. It will be understood that the structure thus described provides a path and guiding means for the excava ing chain which is below described. The chain, which may initially be described as articulated and as having a plurality of excavating members, passes about a drive sprocket or sprockets I8 mounted on adjustable plates II, which may be adjusted along slots 52 in the boom side plates n; The chain also passes about guide rollers or members l3 and any suitable end rollers Id, at the tip: of the nose D of the boom. With reference to Figured, it will. be understood that the drive sprockets It arerotated in clockwise direction, with reference to the position in which the parts are. shown, the chain being thereby moved in the direction of the arrows. Whereas any suitable drive may be employed, I illustrate it as follows: The sprockets Ill are mounted to rotate in unison with the sprockets 89, shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 3. These, in turn, are driven'by chains 8 I. from sprockets 82 mounted to rotate in unison with other sprockets 83, aboutwhich pass chains 8a which are. driven by drive sprockets 85 by the engine. or motor 25. Any suitable clutch may be employed, more or less diagrammatically shown at 8:3. in, Figure 5., and controlled, by an actuating handle 87. A removable crank. 38 is also provided, as. shown in Figure. 5,. for limited manual movement of the chain structure.

Before going into the detail of. they chain, it should be noted that the drive chaintI may be tensioned by any suitable idler-85 onthe'adjustable support 9B Also, the entireboom structure may be rotated about its center X by imparting relative movement to the cylinder 28 and thepiston 36. A boom actuating chain 9I is secured to the outer end of the piston rod 37, passes about an abutment 92 and is dead ended, as at 93, to the boom structure, betweenthe intermediate plates 42. Thus the hydraulic pump 2", when it is delivering fluid to the cylinder 23, may be used to raise or lower, the boom. When it delivers fluid to the cylinder Z'I, it.may be employed to traverse the subframe B on the main frame A. It is thought not necessary to indicate in detail the, hydraulic connections. I illustratemore or less diagrammatically the connecting box 95 enclosing or supporting control valves, not herein shown in detail, which may be actuated by the handles 96 and 97. 98 is a limit chain, adapted to limit the downward movement of the. boom structure. It is also anchored, as at 98, between the plates 32. Its opposite, end may have an adjusting member 5% mounted in any suitable bracket IOI on the cross piece 38 of the subframe B.

It will be understood that a variety of chain structures may be employed, the particular chain herein illustrated being that which I described in greater detail, and claim, in a copending application. With reference, for example, to Figure 6, the chain includes a plurality of digging members which may be of different ccntours. Eachsuch member includes. a transversely extending portion H0 from, which extends any suitable excavating elements, such as the shovel I I I or the. individual picks II2. The upper part of Figure 6 illustrates the use of three picks. It will be understood that the number and location of the, individual pick members may be Varied and that I may, for example, employ one, two, three or more pick elements, the individual picks being positioned or spaced at various locations. However, shovels III should be positioned at intervals. It is also advantageous that the pick or shovel elements be forwardly inclined in the direction of movement of the chain, as is shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 4. Each transverse member I l 0 has a plurality of apertured lugs H4 through which pass any suitable pins H5. H6 indicates any suitable longitudinally extending side link elements, and II! is a bushing which is sur rounded by a roller 1 I8. It is to be noted that the elements H8 are aligned with the track or guide members 67.

I may, if found desirable, employ a guard structure, shown at I20 and secured to the boom structure, at its upper end, as to the bracket I21.

It will be realized that Whereas I have described and shown a practical and operative device, nevertheless many changes may be made in size, shape, number and disposition of parts without departing from the spirit of my invention. I wish my description and drawings to be taken as, in a broad sense, illustrative or diagrammatic, rather than as limiting me to my specific showing herein. For example, the structural details of the main frame or carriage, of the subframe or subcarriage, and of the boom and nose may be varied substantially. The type of chain and the details of the digging elements may be widely varied. Any desired type of motor or power source may be employed. Whereas I find it advantageous to employ hydraulic means for 1nov ing the subcarriage in relation to the main carriage and for moving the boom on the subcarriage, other means of actuating the subcarriage and the boom may be employed.

The use and operation of my invention are as follows:

An important problem in railway track maintenance is cleaning the ballast. It is in practice advantageous, and generally necessary to remove the ballast from between adjacent ties, returning the ballast to position after it has been cleaned. If this task is done by hand, or by machines heretofore available, the work is complicated and expensive, and involves a large track maintenance gang. The structure herein described and claimed simplifies and speeds the task and reduces the cost.

The cribbing machine herein described and shown includes, basically, three main elements. The main frame or main carriage A moves along the rails of a track, and is preferably mounted on the flanged wheels 6. Whereas it is a simple matter to apply power to conveying the carriage along the track, I find this unnecessary. The main frame may be manually moved or adjusted along the track, but may be drawn along the track from place to place, or pushed by any suitable motive means. The second element is the subfrarne or subcarriage B which can be moved back and forth across the main carriage A, for example, by the cylinder and piston combination 21, 34. The third element is the boom structure C, the nose or excavating portion of which is indicated at D. As will be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the boom structure C is gem erally U-shaped with the nose D defining one arm of the U, the side plates 44, M defining the opposite arm of the U, and the two arms of the U being connected by the extension side plates Al, 4?. The free end of the U formed by the side plates 34 is preferably pivoted on the subcarriage B for rotation about the axis X, which axis is shown as horizontal and as generally parallel with the track. When in lowered excavating position, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the nose D of the boom structure is directed inwardly in a generally horizontal position toward the center of the tracks and below the level of the latter. The closed end of the U shaped boom has sufi'lcient clearance around the side of the main frame to permit the inturned nose D to dig between adjacent ties and beneath the rail, while the entire boom is being moved with the subcarriage B. It will be understood, that while pivoting the boom on the subcarriage provides a convenient structure, other means for movably mounting the boom may be employed.

It will be well to consider the various movements which may be imparted to the cribber as a whole, to the subcarriage and boom in unison, and to the boom in relation to the subcarriage. The main carriage may be moved or conveyed along the rails of the track to or from the point of use. When it is in use I find it preferable to convey it manually from tie to tie, or rather, from inter-tie space to inter-tie space. Also, since the space between ties is prevailingly somewhat wider than the eifective width of the chain, a manual oscillation of the cribber along the track is effective in insuring that the chain entirely clears the space between adjacent ties.

The subframe B is traversed across the main frame A, in order to move the nose D inwardly toward the center of the track. The device is so arranged and constructed that the subframe cannot normally be traversed when the boom is in a position to be damaged by traversing the subframe. Assuming that the subframe is in proper initial position, for example in the position in which it is shown in Figure 2, the boom structure may be in the initial position of Figure 1. The operator first lowers the boom by giving it a counter-clockwise rotation, referring to the position of the parts of Figure 2. The end of the nose strikes the right-of-Way, outside of one of the rails 2, and begins to dig. When the nose makes its contact it is inclined somewhere between perpendicular and horizontal, definitely nearer the perpendicular than the horizontal. The teeth, namely, the shovel and pick members HI, H2, pass an arcuate path and begin to excavate, the zone of excavation being relatively short or restricted. As the chain 9| is paid out with the piston 36, and as the nose D approaches closer and closer to the horizontal position, the area of excavation increases progressively until the shape of the excavation may be that shown in Figure 2. By that time the nose D is in a horizontal position, and deep enough in the right-of-way to enable the nose to clear the lower face of the adjacent rail tube. The guard [26, with its downwardly inclined inner edge portion a, extends between the lower surface of the rail and the nose and chain. However, it will be understood that the guard, if desired, may be omitted. When the nose has reached the horizontal position, the operator may then, by admitting fluid to the cylinder 21, move the subframe B, and with it the boom, toward and to the position of the parts shown in Figure 4. As the nose moves to the right, referring to the position of parts in Figure 4, the excavation is longitudinally extended until it reaches about to or slightly beyond the center line of the track. When the parts are in that position the operator can oscillate the main frame, in order to sidecut the excavation and completely clear the space between the ties. It

may be. advantageous, to maintain some such'oscillatiorr during the period of entry of the nose D toward, the center ofthe track. When the excavation is completed, the operatorreverses the flow-of fluid to the cylinder 21, and backs the boom and nose laterally to the position shown in Figure 2. As the boom backs off it clears out whatever material may have accumulated in the outer. part of the excavation. When the subframe B has been moved as far to the left, referring to Figures 2 and 4, as it can go, the operator then admits. fluid to the cylinder 28 and rotates. the boom, clockwise, to its upper position. This upper position is illustrated in Figure 1. However, it: willbeunderstood that in Figure l the. subframe has been moved somewhat: toward the center of the carriage, in order to equalize the weight. In initiating a digging excursion the subframe is somewhat more to the right than it is shown in Figure 1.

The present, machine may advantageously be employed in teams. For example, where two cribbers are used, one can work inwardly from one side of the track and the other can work inwardly from the opposite side of the track. It will be possible, although probably not advantageous, to increase the length of the boom and to clean the, space from edge to edge of the track by a single movement or excavating task. It is more practical to have the boom excavate to the center line of the track, either using another -machine to dig from the opposite side, or reversing the. machine, where a single one is employed, first finishing oneside of the track, along a given stretch and then digging in in the'other direction.

The fact that. the. chain makes an initial cut of restricted area is important. Thus the power is locally applied and is ample to break the most highly compacted. or crusted material which is likely to be found along any right-of-way. As the downward movement of the boom:,continues, the excavating area increases but thesurfacehas already been broken and the length of the excavation is readily increased. Meanwhile, until the chain reaches its lowest or. substantially horizontal position, locking means are effective to prevent, any movement of the subcarriage.

When the boom has been. movedv to its bottom position, with the beak or. nose D horizontal or slightly inclined, then the subcarriage B, with the boom, is, traversed to move the beak, or nose D. toward the center of the track. Any suitable stop or limit means may be employed for limit.- ing the inward penetration of the boom, so that no, damage can be done by engagement; with the rail.

In the digging operation, the boom'really digs itself down into horizontal position and then digs itself in toward the center of the track.. Of course, the hydraulic cylinder 21 may be employed to feed the subcarriage in, but. under practical conditions this may not be necessary, as the actual pull against the; excavated material tends to move the boom, and the subcarrlage, toward the center line of the track. As the boom digs itself downwardly and inwardly, the tendency of the chain is to aggregate the downward and inward motion. This aggregation of motion is controllable by means of the hydraulic cylinders, which prevent the chain element from overloading. The controls may actually be used to hold back or partly resist the boom movement and to employ the tendency of the boom or chain to crawl down and in. As is clear from Figure- 2, theendof the beak" or nose D may extendr underneath the rail base by the time-that the boom has, moved far enough about its center X to put, the beak or nose D in the horizontal position of Figure 2.. Thus unnecessary digging at the outside of the ties is eliminated.

I find it advantageous to provide means for slightly adjusting the angle of the nose D, or of the. boom structure as. a whole. The purpose. is to dig an excavation the bottom of which inclines slightly downwardly and outwardly from the center line of the track. This. is adva tageous for subsurface drainage purposes. This result may be obtained by two methods. The path of movementof the nose D may be slightly upwardly and inwardly; or, if the path is maintained thoroughly horizontal, the nose itself may be slightly upwardly and inwardly inclined so that the end result will be that it will cut an upward incline toward the center of the track. With reference, for example, to Figure 7, it will be understood that either by using substitute parts or providing any suitable variation in aperturing, the angle of the nose structure in relation to the plates a! and the upper part of the boom may be adjusted or changed or controlled. Thus the outer part or nose of the boom may be vertically adjusted on the rest of the boom.

Also, where the device is used in trenching more deeply than is necessary in ordinary cribbing, the lower part or nose of the boom may be set lower than it is set, for example, in Figure 2, which will lower the bottom of the excavation. It will also be understood that excavating flights or tools of excess lengths or penetration may be employed.

An important factor in making the initial cut or excavation is the fact that the members Ill and H2, which actually do the digging, are of substantial mass. As they pass around the end roller or sprocket M the member 14 results in a substantial acceleration of movement at the tip or cutting edge of the flight. This increases the actual blow delivered, and increases the digging or breaking effect of the tool. In effect, an impact is delivered. For example, if the speed of movement of the chain along its horizontal path is assumed to be 220 feet a minute, the linear speed of movement of the tips or edges of the tools as they rotate about the center of the member Hi may be more than twice as great. This high speed of movement of a large and massive digging element gives a very powerful hammer blow.

The amplitude or movement of the subcarriage can be controlled at each end by an adjustable stop. The boom may be locked in the top position, in which it is shown in Figure 1. The entire device may then be conveyed safely along the track.

The limit chain 93 may be employed to limit the downward rotation of the boom, in addition to any other fixed limit means which may be employed. Note that the chain 98 is adjustable as to length. If the chain is set to permit a slight excess movement, the result will be that the beak will take a slightly inclined position, thus being set thereby to cut the above discussed inclined trench bottom. Also, the limit chain 98 is effective to take'the shock off of the hy draulic system.

Whereas it may a matter of convenience to mount the carriage on flanged wheels, it can be 9 carried by other means and I do not wish to be limited to any such support.

It is well to consider the relationship of the structure as a whole to the actual cribbing function. The ballast is usually packed very compactly with power tampers, around and under the ties. This packing extends inwardly from the tie ends 'to approximately one foot from the center of the tie. The center portion is loose. The packing which is secured by this tamping is further consolidated by the trafiic over the rails, which tends still further to compact the ballast. Thus a very hard bed results directly under the ties. So far as possible, any cribbing out of the ballast should not disturb this bed. The tendency of ballast, under traffic and weather conditions, is to reduce the size of the individual pieces. A powder, mixed with mud and clay, often forms so-called cemented ballast. It is practically impossible to break up this cemented ballast, except with sharp pointed tools forced into it with great force. In order to break up this cemented ballast, I provide the pointed tools shown, for example in Figure 6. By alternating sharp pointed flights with the broad surfaced flight, I secure a breaking action with which is associated a simultaneous conveying or removing action.

In each crib section or space there is a combination of ballast materials, bounded by the wooden faces of the ties, and often bonded to the tie surface. It is important to remove the mud, dirt and debris that clings to the tie without damaging the tie itself. I obtain this result by employing excavating elements having end cutting surfaces or edges.

Each of the excavating elements has an end excavating or cutting edge shown at the ends of the members Ill] and H2 of Figure 6. This end edge portion is located above the cutting level of the shovels or pick points which form part of each of the excavating members. Thus, while downwardly extending tool portions penetrate below the level of the tie bottoms, as shown at X in Figure 12, the end edges are positioned to operate against the cemented ballast along the lower part of the side faces of the ties. The preferred contour, which is obtained by oscillating the conveyor chain backwardly and forwardly along the track, while the chain is per forming its excavating function, includes shallow, horizontal ledges 20!, adjacent the ties, a downwardly and inwardly inclined slope 2G2 and a generally fiat bottom 203. These shelves or ledges 20! may be approximately an inch wide to give an example, and the downward slopes 202, formed by the end of the downwardly extending cutting or excavating elements, may approximate 45. The floor or bottom 203 should be several inches below the tie bottoms, to provide for drainage.

It will be noticed for example in Figure 1 that the excavating elements II I and H2 have a forward range or inclination. Referring for example to Figure 2, as the conveyor elements pass about the idler 14, they encounter ballast that must be loosened up and dragged out. Thus the range or inclination provides that the outer point or outer edge of each digging element encounters the ballast first, so that a digging instead of a slapping action results. As the excavating elements pass along and under the lower side of the boom D the angle of inclination thus provided serves to maintain a simultaneous lifting and dragging action. As the excavating or digging elements pass to the up wardly and outwardly inclined portion 61 of the boom D, the angle of inclination is such that an upward and outward discharge action takes place. The particles are actually upwardly lifted or propelled, in addition to their outward movement, as is shown for example at the lower left corner of Figure 2. Thus the digging or excavating elements are actually designed to perform satisfactorily at least three successive functions, namely, the initial digging action, the combined lifting and lateral conveying action, and the final upward and outward discharging action.

It will also be noted that the excavating members which I employ form an integral lining part of two parallel chain components. The conveyor flights both form part of two chains and connect and space the chains laterally apart.

It will be understood that the cribbing operation herein described may advantageously be employed in connection with the practical reconstruction of the ballast underlying a track. In that event the ballast removed by the cribbing machine may be wasted, discharged from the crib spaces, and thereafter permanently removed. On the other hand, my invention may advantageously be applied to the removal, cleaning and replacement of the same ballast. In that event any suitable means, not herein shown, can be employed for picking up and cleaning the removed ballast, and for thereafter returning the cleaned ballast to place. The contour of Figure 12 indicates a practically ideal contour of excavation.

The ballast underlying the ties is undisturbed. The 45 slopes start about an inch inside of the tie, and the original material is undisturbed. However, the slopes provide ideal drainage. The floor or bottom 203, also may be formed to incline somewhat downwardly and outwardly from the center of the track. Thus sub surface drainage is adequately provided for.

I claim:

1. In a cribbing machine, a main carriage movable along a track, a sub-carriage transversely movable on the main carriage, an excavating member movable on the sub-carriage, said excavating member including a guide and an endless chain on said guide, means for actuatin said chain, said guide being formed and adapted, when moved to excavating position, to penetrate inwardly beneath a rail of a track, and between adjacent ties, said chain including digging elements adapted, when the guide is moved inwardly beneath a rail and between the ties, to remove the ballast from between said ties.

2. The structure of claim 1, characterized by and including means for initially moving the excavating member, in relation to the sub-carriage, to excavating position, and for thereafter moving the sub-carriage and excavating member transversely toward the center of the track, and for thereby moving said chain guide and chain inwardly toward the center of the track, during digging actuation of said chain.

3. The structure of claim 1, characterized by and including the use, on said chain, of a plurality of variously formed digging elements.

4. The structure of claim 1, characterized by and including the use, on said chain, of a plurality of variously formed digging elements, some of said digging elements including sharp prongs, and others including shovel elements of substan tial lateral extension.

5. In a cribbing machine, a main carriage movii able along-a track, 'a sub-carriage mounted on-said main carriage for movement transversely of said track, a boom movably mounted on said subcarriage, chain guide means on said boom, an excavating chain, and means for driving it, said boom including a beak portion, means for moving said beak portion into excavating position in alignment between the ties of the track, and means for traversing said sub-carriage and for thereby moving said beak portion and chain inwardly between said ties and toward the center of the track.

6. In a cribbing machine, a main carriage movable along a track, a sub-carriage mounted on said main carriage for movement transversely of said track, a boom movably mounted on said subcarriage, chain guide means on said boom, an excavating chain, and means for driving it, said boom including a beak portion, means for movingsaid beak portion into excavating position in alignment between the ties of the track, and means for traversing said sub-carriage and for thereby moving said beak portion and chain inwardly between said ties and toward the center of the track, said beak portion and chain, when the chain support has been moved to its lowest position, being generally horizontally disposed, at a level below the bottom of the track rail.

7 In a cribbing machine, a main carriage movable along a track, a sub-carriage movable on said main carriage transversely of said track, a chain support pivoted on said sub-carriage, a chain guide on said support, an excavator chain on said guide and means for driving it, said guide including a beak portion about which said chain passes, means for rotating said chain support on said sub-carriage, and for thereby initially applying the end of the beak portion to the ballast at an area exterior to the track rails, said beak portion, when moved to its lowest position, being generally horizontally disposed at a level below the bottom of the track rail.

8. In a cribbing machine, a main carriagemovable along a track, a sub-carriage movable on said main carriage transversely of said track, a chain support pivoted on said sub-carriage, a chain guide on said support, an excavator chain on said guide and means for driving it, said guide including a beak portion about which said chain passes, means for rotating said chain support on said sub-carriage, and for thereby initially applying the end of the beak portion to the ballast at an area exterior to the track rails, said beak portion, when moved to its lowest position, being generally horizontall disposed'at a level below the bottom of the track rail, and means for moving said chain guide inwardly between adjacent ties and toward the center of the track.

9. In a cribbing machine, a maincarriagemovable along a track, a sub-carriage movable on said main carriage transversely of said track, a chain support pivoted on said sub-carriage, a chain guide on said support, an excavator chain on said guide and means for drivingit, said guideincluding a beak portion about which said chain passes, means for rotating said chain support on said sub-carriage in the plane of movement of said chain, andfor thereby initially applying the end of the beak portion to the ballast at an area exterior to the track rails, said beak portion, when moved to its lowest position, being generally horizontally disposedand extending inwardly toward the main carriage at a level below the bottom of the track rail, and means for moving said chain guide inwardly between adjacent ties and toward the center of the track, aftersaid guide has been rotated to its lowest position; 3 i

10. In-a cribbing machine, a main carriage movable along a track, a sub-carriagemovable on said main carriage-transversely of said track, a chain support pivoted on said sub-carriage-ior rotation about a'generally horizontal iaxisgenerally parallel with the'track, a chain guide on said support, an excavating'chain onsa-id guide and means for driving it, said guide including a beak portion about which said chain "passes, means for rotating said chain'supporton said carriage, and for thereby initially applying the end of the beak portion to the ballast atani-area exterior to the track rai1s,-said beak portion, when moved to its lowest position, being generally horizontally disposed at a level below thebottom of the track rails, means efiective, when the beak portion hasreachedits bottom, horizontal position, .to move the sub-carriage toward the center of the track, .with the'beak portion extending-beneath the bottom of a track rail andbetween adjacent tiesof the track.

ll. In a cribbing machine, .a main carriage movable along a track, a sub-carriage transversely movablelon the maincarriage, an excavating member movable on the sub=carriage,-said excavating member including a guide. and an endless chain on said guide,.means for actuating said chain, said guide beingformed and adapted, when moved to excavating position, to penetrate inwardly beneath a rail or a traclgand between adjacent ties, said chainincluding digging elements adapted, when the guide ismoved inwardly beneath a rail and between the ties, to remove the ballast from between said ties, said main carriage being freely movable-along the track during the actuation of said chain, wherebythe width of the cut of saidchain extends-from tie to tie.

,12. In a cribbing machine, a main carriage movable along a track, asub-carr iage movable on said main carriage transversely of saidtrack a chain support pivoted on said sub-carriage, 'a chain guide on said support, anexcavatorchain on said guide and means for driving it, said guide including a beak portion aboutwhich saidchain passes, means for rotating aid chain support-on said sub-carriage, and for thereby initially applying the end of the beak portion to the-ballast at an area exterior to thetrack rails,-said beak portion, when moved to itslowest position, being generally horizontally disposed at a level below the bottom of-the trackrail, and-meanszfor moving said chain guide inwardly between adjacent ties and toward the center of-the track, 'after said guide has been rotated to its lowest position,'said main carriage being freely movable along the track during the actuation-of said chain, whereby the width of the cut of said chain extends from tie to tie.

13. In a cribbing machine, a 'main carriage supported on and freely movable along'therails ofa track, a sub carriage mounted onsaids'main carriage fOl'l movement across said main; carriage transversely'of said track, a cl'iainiboompivoted on said sub-carriage for rotation about a.:horizontal axis perpendicular tothe -path of. movement of s'aid-sub-carriage on said maincarri'age, said'boom being generally U-shaped, one arm of said U being positioned above and one arm of said U being positioned below the level of the rails when said boom is movedto final excavating'position, and an excavating chain'mounted on'said boom and means for actuating it.

14. In a cribbing machine, -a carriage, means for supporting it above a railway track, a generally U-shaped excavating boom having one arm supported on the carriage and a second arm connected in spaced relation to the first arm and forming an inturned beak portion, an excavating chain mounted on and movable about said beak portion, and means for actuating said chain, means on said. carriage for adjusting said boom with its beak portion in an excavating position below the level of the track rails and extending inwardly between adjacent ties, and means on said carriage for traversing said boom horizontally with the beak portion in said excavating position.

15. In a cribbing machine, a base, a boom movably mounted on said base, said boom being generally U-shaped with one arm supported in a carriage and a second arm connected in spaced relation to the first arm and forming an inturned beak portion, an excavating chain mounted on and movable about said beak portion, and means for actuating said chain, means for pivotally adjusting said boom on said carriage with its beak portion to an excavating position below the level of track rails and extending inwardly between adjacent ties, and means on said carriage for traversing said boom horizontally with the beak portion in said excavating position.

16. In a cribbing machine, a carriage, a generally U-shaped excavating boom having one arm supported on said carriage and a second arm connected in spaced relation to the first arm alignment with the space between adjacent ties of the track rails, and means on said carriage for traversing said boom with its beak portion in said excavating position.

17. In a cribbing machine, a carriage, a generally U-shaped excavating boom having one arm supported on said carriage and a second arm connected in spaced relation to the first arm and forming an elongated inturned beak portion, an excavating chain mounted on and movable about said beak portion, and means for actuating said chain, means on said carriage for positioning said beak portion in an excavating position below the level of the track rails with said beak portion extending inwardly between adjacent ties, means on said carriage for traversing said boom with its beak portion in said excavating position, and means for adjusting the angle of said beak portion relative to the ties in its lowermost excavating position.

18. In a cribbing machine, a base, a carriage mounted on said base for movement transversely of a railroad track, a boom mounted on and movable with said carriage, a chain guide means on said boom, an excavating chain on said guide means and means for driving it, said boom including an inturned beak portion, means for a selectively moving said inturned beak portion into a generally downward extending position along one side of the carriage or into a generally horizontal excavating position in alignment with a space between adjacent ties of the track rails 1'4 and below the rails of the track, and means for traversing said carriage and for thereby moving said beak portion and chain inwardly between said adjacent ties and toward the center of the track.

19. In a cribbing machine, a base, a carriage mounted on said base for movement transversely of a railroad track, a boom pivotally mounted on and movable with said carriage, a chain guide means on said boom, an excavating chain on said guide means and means for driving it, said boom including an inturned beak portion, means for selectively swinging said pivoted boom so that said inturned beak portion may be disposed in a generally downward extending position. along one side of the carriage or in a generally horizontal excavating position in alignment with a space between adjacent ties of the track rails and below the rails of the track, and means for traversing said carriage and for thereby moving said beak portion and chain inwardly between said adjacent ties and toward the center of the track.

20. In a cribbing machine, a base, a carriage mounted on said base for movement transversely of a railroad track, a boom mounted on and movable with said carriage, a chain guide means on said boom, an excavating chain on said guide means and means for driving it, said boom including an inturned beak portion, means for selectively moving said break portion into a generally downward extending position along one side of the carriage or into a generally horizontal excavating position in alignment with a space between adjacent ties of the track rails and below the rails of the track, means for traversing said carriage and for thereby moving said beak portion and chain inwardly between said adjacent ties and toward the center of the track, and means for limiting the traversing movement of said carriage and beak portion.

21. In a cribbing machine, a base, a carriage mounted on said base for movement transversely of a railroad track, a boom mounted on and movable with said carriage, a chain guide means on said boom, an excavating chain on said guide means and means for driving it, said boom including an inturned beak portion, means for selectively moving said inturned beak portion into a generally downward extending position along one side of the carriage or into a generally horizontal excavating position in alignment with a space between adjacent ties of the track rails and below the rails of the track, means for traversing said carriage and for thereby moving said beak portion and chain inwardly between said adjacent ties and toward the center of the track, and means for adjusting the angle of said beak portion relative to the ties in its lowermost excavating position.

HARRY W. PROTZELLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,847,818 Collet et al Mal. 1, 1932 2,142,208 Protzeller Jan. 3, 1939 2,207,854 Foreman et a1 July 16, 1940 2,254,742 Humphrey Sept. 2, 1941 

